The exports of goods amounted to Lek 273 bn during 2017, growing by 12.1%, compared to the previous year. Construction materials and metals followed by textiles were the groups with the biggest contribution to two-digit increase of exports last year.
Meanwhile the drought that affected our country in the second half of 2017 had repercussions for exports, which is estimated at 1.4%.
Imports of goods, according to Statistics Institute (INSTAT), amounted to Lek 626 bn increasing by 8.1%, compared to the previous year. Minerals, fuel and energy, followed by chemicals and plastics made the biggest contribution to imports. Trade deficit for this period is estimated at Lek 353 bn, increasing by 5.2%, as compared to 2016. Trade exchanges with EU countries in 2017 constitute 66.3% of all volume. Over this year, exports to EU countries make up 77.1% of exports as a whole and exports from EU countries make up 61.6% of imports.
Principal trading partners remain the neighboring countries, Italy (36.2%) and Greece (6.8%) followed by Germany (6.8%) and China (6.4%).